While the heat has left us drinking more, we need to watch what drinks we are consuming, says Marathon Health dietitian Elizabeth Brown.
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There is a big community issue with sugar consumption in sugar sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, juices, flavoured milk, frozen soft drinks, sports drinks and vitamin waters.
One of Marathon Health’s dietitians, Elizabeth Brown, highlights that: “while most of us know that the main sources of sugar are in things like lollies, it’s drinks such as juices, soft drink and vitamin waters that contain more than the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended sugar intake”.
The WHO recommends six teaspoons or 25 grams of sugar per day.
While most of us know that the main sources of sugar are in things like lollies, it’s drinks such as juices, soft drink and vitamin waters that contain more than the ... recommended sugar intake.
- Elizabeth Brown
Some drinks such as a 500mL Dare Iced Coffee has 45 grams of sugar per bottle, while a large Frozen Coke from McDonald’s contains 67g of sugar.
Ms Brown states that there are options for people wanting a sugar substitute.
“Infusing water with fruit, adding soda water to fresh fruit juice or kombucha, are great ways to add some variety and stay hydrated,” she said.
While water is the best option for rehydration, milk contains a perfect combination of fluid, carbohydrate, and electrolytes, which has been shown to be more effective than sports drinks in rehydration and refuelling energy stores after a workout.
Along with this, milk is also a good source of protein (providing about eight grams per 250mL serve) so it is excellent for repairing and building muscle tissue.
Brown also comments that “our top tip is to think about having a fruit smoothie with light milk and low fat yoghurt, or a Milo and milk”.
Type 2 diabetes is one of the major consequences of the obesity epidemic.
Diabetes is a concern for all Australians, particularly Type 2 Diabetes which represents about 85 to 90 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Research indicates that the risk for developing Type 2 diabetes can be reduced through simple lifestyle modifications such as lowering sugar intake.
“The research indicates that in many cases the risk for developing Type 2 diabetes can be reduced through simple lifestyle changes,” comments Lesley Wilcox, diabetes educator for Marathon Health.
“It’s important we educate and provide the opportunity for early detection and also encourage lifestyle improvements now to minimise risk.”
Through the Marathon Health Clinics in Dubbo and Orange, the team are offering the Central West community the chance to learn about nutrition, diabetes, lifestyle modifications, maintenance and overall harm reduction from chronic diseases.
To learn more about Diabetes and any questions you may have, visit our Let’s Talk Diabetes Facebook page.
Dietetic and Diabetes Education services are offered through Marathon Health clinics in Dubbo, Orange and Bathurst. Call 1300 402 585 for more information.
